Meals under 300 calories

Meals under 300 calories are perfect if you're on a calorie-controlled diet, like the 5:2 diet. We've done all the hard work for you and found our favourite meals that are 300 calories or less.

Our meals under 300 calories are ideal if you’re on a calorie-controlled diet, like the 5:2 diet, when you have to be conscious of all the calories you consume throughout the day. 300 calories might not sound like much, so we’ve done all the hard work for you and found our favourite meals that are 300 calories or less.

These tasty recipes may all be low calorie but they’re definitely not low in flavour. These dishes prove that you can eat delicious meals and still be healthy. Plus, they’re so good that the rest of the family will enjoy them too, so you don’t have to feel like you’re missing out and can enjoy the same lunches and dinners as everyone else.

The standard calorie intake for a woman is 2,000 calories a day so a main meal under 300 calories is relatively low. It’s best to try and eat as balanced a diet as possible so our recipes are full of vegetables and filling grains and carbs. Who said healthy eating had to be boring?

If you need help coming up with a more comprehensive diet plan, see our guide to making low-calorie 5:2 diet meal plansso you can stay on track without feeling hungry!

Video of the Week

273 calories/16g fat per portion
First up, our spring chicken tray bake – it’s so simple to make because it cooks all in one pot and it’s good for you too. It’s ready in just 30 mins and the best bit is it comes in at under 300 calories per portion. Perfect!

We’ve got so many more meals under 300 calories, you’ll never be stuck for ideas again, plus you’ll be surprised at how tasty and filling these recipes are – you’d never guess they’re so good for you!

Click through for more meals under 300 calories…

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Quick-fry lemon sole with shrimp and caper butter

280 calories/15g fat per portion

Our quick-fry lemon sole with shrimp and caper butter is a tasty supper served with boiled potatoes and a light salad.

One-pot Italian-style mussels

218 calories/13g fat per portion

This delicious one-pot Italian-style mussels recipe is really easy to whip up. Bursting with flavour, thanks to the anchovies, oilves and garlic. We'd recommend serving with skinny chips or a small slice of bread.

Crispy Asian sea bass

277 calories/9g fat per portion

Fish is the perfect source of protein and sure to keep you fuller for longer. Not only that, but it's bursting with omega-3 fatty acids which are really good for your skin. Infused with sesame oil, ginger and chillies, you can't really go wrong with this healthy dish.

Moroccan rice-stuffed tomatoes

211 calories/9g fat per portion

These Moroccan rice-stuffed tomatoes are so simple to make and cooked in just 25 mins. Each beef-steak tomato is stuffed with courgette, pine nuts, red onion, spices and plenty of rice. Perfect for dinner or lunch.

Moroccan root tagine with couscous

238 calories/2g fat per portion

Courgette, carrots, chickpeas and a filling side of couscous, this Moroccan root tagine is not only low calorie - it's delicious too! The slightly-spiced tomato sauce is a great way to bring all your veggies together.

Hearty root and barley soup

259 calories/1.6g fat per portionSoup for dinner may not always sound like the most filling option, but it really depends on what you put in it. This hearty soup is filled with chicken, veg and barley - a grain that will definitely fill you up - it's pretty much a meal in a bowl!

The Hairy Bikers’ Thai chicken and coconut curry

283 calories per portion

Do you remember when the Hairy Bikers went on a diet? They didn't just do a TV show about it - they also made some lovely recipes to show off their new-found diet knowledge. This Thai curry is calorie-counted without rice but it's so tasty, you may not even need any!

Asparagus tortilla

255 calories/13.7g fat per portionPotatoes and eggs can be used to make a low calorie meal - and this recipes proves it! Adding asparagus to this chunky tortilla is a great way of boosting the nutrients - the more veg the better!

Japanese broth with udon noodles

250 calories/6g fat per portion
Soup is filling, noodles are filling and beef is full of flavour - this Japanese-style broth is the perfect choice for a low-calorie meal! Made with miso paste and fish sauce, the strong flavours of this dish will beat any ready made diet meal you can buy.

Hairy Bikers’ cottage pie

242 calories per portionWe bet you didn't think you could make cottage pie for under 300 calories! This recipe was made by the Hairy Bikers for their diet show and includes lots of clever swaps to turn the classic dish into a healthy dinner option.Get the recipe: Hairy Bikers' cottage pie

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Moroccan tomatoes

221 calories/18g fat per portionThis flavoursome dish is an interesting alternative to making omelettes with your eggs. Tomatoes and asparagus with Moroccan-style spices give them a fresh new twist.

Roasted vegetable couscous

280 calories/7g fat per portionIt's not just a side, couscous can be turned into a meal in itself. Combine with whatever roasted veg you like and a simple stock and voila - a low-cal dinner ready in mins!
Get the recipe: Roasted vegetable couscous

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Pork pittas with mango and pomegranate salsa

222 calories/6g fat per portion

Chunky pork meatballs and a fruity salsa is a fresh and summery spin on a low-calorie meal. The pitta bread is not included in the calorie count but if you do fancy some carb - opt for a wholemeal wrap.

Basque seafood stew

233 calories/6g fat per portion

Potatoes, prawns, sea
bass, tomatoes - this seafood stew is so full of lovely ingredients, you
won't believe it's low-calorie! All simmered down in a rich paprika and
cayenne pepper-flavoured sauce, this stew will make a lovely weekend
treat for the whole family.

Broad bean and brown rice salad

211 calories/5.5g fat per portion

If you often find
yourself snacking after meals, you may need to change the foods you eat.
Fibre-rich ingredients such as broad beans and brown rice will keep you
fuller for longer. Cooked in a tasty stock with plenty of flavourings,
this salad shows you how to make them into a interesting meal.

Celeriac, carrot and pearl barley bake

281 calories/8g fat per portion

Full of fibre, pearl
barley is a filling ingredient to add to your meals. This carrot and
celeriac bake is given a tangy edge with the addition of some
coarsegrain honey mustard.
Get the recipe: Celeriac, carrot and pearl barley bake

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Stuffed tomatoes

232 calories/21g fat per portion

Stuffing vegetables such as peppers or tomatoes is a new way to make a low-calorie meal. These tomatoes are filled with couscous, Feta, mint and olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Chicken taco bowls

288 calories/6g fat per portion

These delicious chicken taco bowls are the perfect way to use up leftover meat from a Sunday dinner without you having to feel like you're eating the same meal two nights in a row. They're topped with delicious veggies and have a citrus chilli kick from lime and jalapeños.